New Zealand Dominates, Women's Sevens finish Sydney Day One 1-2

United States await Day 2 matchups with 1-2 finish. | Mike Lee

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - The New Zealand Women's Sevens squad had no trouble shaking off the Dubai upset from the United States today, after a 31-0 victory in Sydney. By the close of business on day one at Allianz Stadium, the Black Ferns finished 3-0 to lead Pool B while the US tallied a 1-2 record.

Portia Woodman would set the pace early after New Zealand used all 40 meters to carry the ball from touch line to touch line, finding Woodman in space. The Black Ferns would continue to control possession and keep the ball in US territory, however two costly turnovers kept the Eagles within reach on the scoreboard as the first half ended, 12-0.

During the huddle, Head Coach Richie Walker urged, "We've got to be lower at the rucks and when we get there we've got to be on the same page. Talk to each other."

Moving into the second half, Naya Tapper was able to breakaway for her first threat of the match but was held up by a double team of defenders. Niall Williams would then strip the ball from an unaware Ryan Carlyle to set up star-on-the-rise Michaela Blyde for a try. Before it was over, Woodman would again find the try zone, giving her a hat trick in each of the 3 matches today.

The Women's Eagles Sevens fate is now up to the computers after Japan sealed their first win of the season over England. Pool B finishes in a bit of a knot with NZL 3-0, USA 1-2, ENG 1-2, JPN 1-2. Follow along with @usarugby for tomorrow's schedule and catch each match on The Rugby Channel.

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